❄️ December Quest Week 4: All Present and correct?! ❄️

[MissUnderstanding]

Welcome to the final week of Christmas Questing! Massive thanks to Yesletsgo tor last week’s Quest. It’s the last push before January comes and New Year’s Resolutions kick off. Who is up for making the most of December?

My running has been awful this month. I haven’t been out over two weeks because of flu. I’m still having a miserable time with tiredness and coughing so even walking has been off the table. My quest for the rest of December is to try and get back to a 30 minute brisk walk by January so I can pick up with my training plan. I’m hoping I might manage a run or two but we’ll see! This feels like a really weird in betweeny time and I’m going to try and enjoy what I can do instead of feeling really off track (which I am!). January is a great time for a reset so I’m hanging in there until then!

So how have things been going for you? Are you on track! Hanging in there? Planning for January?

Happy Christmas all and hope Father Christmas brings you some lovely runs!

MissU xx

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For any newbies, here’s an introduction to the Quest…

The aim of the Quest is to help you find a focus or goal that you would like to achieve by the end of the Quest period.

The Quest takes one calendar month. You can join at any point during that time.

You need to be a C25K Graduate before joining the Quest. The reason for this is that pre-graduation your week is very much structured, according to the C25K programme, and I wouldn't want the Quest to interfere with that.

Most popular goals are:

★ To run three times a week

★ To slowly increase distance

★ To train for a specific race

★ To add strength and flex exercises to your weekly routine

This is a personal challenge, so it's completely up to you! If you want to join, all you have to do is comment below with something like: “I would like to join the quest”, or, “count me in! I would like to...”

Any questions, just ask! Come and say hi, we want to know what you're aiming for!

[CBDB Graduate10]

I’m with you on a miserable month for running! My fitness diary looks awfully empty!

I think I might be just a week or so ahead of you but also struggled with coughing and energy levels for an awfully long time.

So hope you also are well on your way to recovering from whatever is going around.

My quest is therefore only focussing on getting fully recovered. So rowing, maybe two recovery runs in the week when I can, and that’s probably it.

I got a flu/Covid jab this week, so I’m hoping that will keep me from another one of these awful illnesses going around this season.

Sending you speedy recovery wishes!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Sorry to hear you’ve been struggling too! I think a fair few of us have been absolutely knocked on our backsides by bugs this season. Glad you’re on the mend now and your quest sounds spot on.

Here’s to happy Januaries with full fitness calendars for us both! ❤️‍🩹

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I am so sorry MissUnderstanding about your flu, it's difficult wishing anyone a Merry Christmas under those circumstances but I will and hope you feel better by Christmas Day, just take those 30 minute walks slowly

This morning I went a slow 13K walk in the countryside near to where I live, I was caught in two rain showers but in between the showers it was nice and sunny, nevertheless when I got home I had to change my socks as they were a bit wet from the rain ☔

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks Al! I’ve been a bit unlucky - last time k started a marathon plan it was Covid and now it’s flu’! Hey ho. It’ll pass. Good wishes are much appreciated-thank you!

Great 13km! That’s a chunky distance to tick off. Are you training for something or just fancied a long one? Happy Christmas!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Not training at the moment, I go long walks on a Sunday morning during the winter months and short bike rides from late spring through summer until the end of September, I wish you a very happy Christmas 🎄

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Glad to hear you're well enough to take this over again

I've managed 2 runs so far, only 3k each, plus a 5 minute Pilates introduction on the Nike Training app, so I'll take it as a win!

Happy Christmas 🎅🎄

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

3k runs are just the best…long enough to feel like you’ve run but not too long for getting in the way of life too much. That’s definitely a win! I keep meaning to investigate the NTC app more. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done but I can’t see it very well on my phone. Maybe with my new varifocals it’ll be better!

Have a great week!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I've finally worked out how to make the NTC app play on the big telly - who knows, I might be able to get Mr Y to join in with the nice calming yoga sessions (if you knew him you'd know why I'm saying 😂😂😂)

[Apple2505]

I would like to join the quest, please 😀

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Apple2505]

You’re very welcome! What sorts of things would you like to achieve this week? People set all sorts of goals. Mine is to manage a walk without sounding like I’ve got a 40 a day smoking habit!!!

Good luck with whatever you’re up too and can’t wait to hear how you get on!

[Apple2505 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I'd like to start running 3 times a week. Currently I manage 1 run per week minimum and 2 if I'm doing well, but I'd love to push it to 3 😁👌Never really 'gone public' with any goals... but hoping it will help with accountability! 🙏

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Apple2505]

That sounds like the perfect goal….its almost always one of mine!! I like the accountability too-it’s a nice friendly accountability where we can have a good old celebrate and also a good old moan together! Wishing you loads of luck for your first quest!🍀

[Apple2505 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks so much 🙏😊

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

Sorry about your bug MissU! It sounds awful. Plain unfair ☹️.

I am off to a football match on Boxing Day; probably an infection risk given the amount of viruses circulating, but at least I have had the flu and covid jabs. Hope you a bounce back quickly now 🏃‍♀️💨

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you Beachcomber66 ! I’ve been wallowing a bit. Today I’m feeling a little bit better and need to finish some Christmas shopping so I may cheer myself up with a trip to the independent running shop in a part of town with some nice gift shops. What’s better for fighting the flu blues than new run kit!?

Thanks for the good wishes and happy Christmas!

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Perfect planning!🙂

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

We were super productive and I had a nice coffee (which finally tasted right after the flu messed my taste up…hooray!!). I didn’t make it to the running shop but I know MrU did and I can’t wait to see what he got on Christmas Day!

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Two sleeps 🙂

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

I really hope you are OK - reasonable amount of fresh air throughput. It's going when you are a bit rough that is hazardous. My one and only football match was a Boxing Day one and it was February until I was over the bug I went with.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

🙂 I am fine thanks! Another match tonight!! If I do pick up a bug, my system reacts strongly; so I feel awful for day 1 but I then recover quickly 👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Thank you for the post and the reminder MissU, I keep trying but it doesn't take much to put me off, I've walked and been to the beach but not run so much. Have a wonderful Christmas and hope you are soon completely well again xx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you so much! I’m still coughing a lot but I feel a bit less tired and I’m taking that as a big win! Happy Christmas to you too! ❤️

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10]

I haven’t managed three runs a week this month, tried but failed but definitely 2 good runs. Been a tad naughty this last year eating wise so been dragged into the surgery as my blood sugar is high!! No surprise as Mr WC has been buying me cake and chocolate to cheer me up most days so it’s come back to bite me.

So new year new plans need to start building back muscle as I’ve lost so much weight with all my anxiety issues and breakdown it just fell off, but building it back with cake was foolish!!

So off for a Christmas Eve run after a cuppa this morning in my Christmas pudding hat and new year new health goals on the horizon.

Thanks a million to the team on this forum for keeping me motivated and on the straight and narrow.

Merry Christmas a nod a healthy new year all 🎄

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Wavy-chick28]

It's brave to look within and recognise that we don't always make wise choices. Building back muscle takes time and perseverance, I'm sure you'll get there, I'm building mine back following illness, as you say New Year new plans, let's encourage each other, and that's why this forum is so good 😊.

Have a good run and a wonderful Christmas xx

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Beautiful run the weather is fabulous and yes let’s get our mojo on for the new year! I’m hoping Santa has bought weights 🎅🏻

Sunrise along a muddy lane

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Wavy-chick28]

I have weights, just have to pick them up 😁.That looks fabulous, beautiful photo 😻.

I haven't been out yet today, but will soon

Beach

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Let’s pick them up soon 💪🏻

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Those two good runs are to be celebrated! It’s so hard to keep on track with eating when there are other things going on. It sounds like you’ve got some sensible plans for 2025 and I know there’ll be lots of us ready to cheer you on with them.

Sending Christmas wishes your way! 🎄

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

Not a huge amount doing here. I think it was Yesletsgo who pointed out that I was probably doing a lot of walking that wasn't showing up on the Active 10 app and yes, my Fitbit has been showing lots of steps even when I've not left the house and over many hours of the day.

More baths! Currently on 8. I did get out for a lovely run but not a 5k yet so I've got that to squeeze in before the end of the month. Pelvic floor exercises pretty reasonable, the odd day dropped but mostly they are getting done. Yoga currently on 15 sessions out of 31 and this month was really 'see how many you can do' rather than 'do'.

So I am happy enough and was ready enough for Christmas without getting frazzled or more ill than I have to be. Mind you, it's Boxing Day we are hosting and we must away down the hill to watch the mad rafters soon...

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Sounds like you e got lots to celebrate! I got some nice bath stuff for Christmas and I’m really looking forward to trying it out!

Really good luck with the 5k and I’m really intrigued by “mad rafters!”. Have a super day!

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

The mad rafters are those who built rafts and then are launched on them on Boxing Day down the Derwent from Matlock to Cromford (a considerable number end up just floating down individually after the rafts come apart) In aid of the RNLI. Gets us out for a walk (but we were very grateful the start time was later this year)